Developing your photographic style – the necessary photo gear

A constant debate that I see online is whether a specific piece of equipment is justifiable. And whether it is justifiable in terms of a business decision. The discussion typically centers around something like the eternal, “What will the 85mm f1.2 give me that the 85mm f1.8 won’t? And is it worth $1000 more?”

But I feel that in phrasing the question like that, the real effects that equipment choice have on our style are disregarded. I firmly believe that:

Style should always be evolving, borne from our choices and not from our limitations.

So does it bring more business? That I can’t say – but I do know that using the very very best equipment does affect how I shoot, and does affect my results. It also directly affects my confidence during a shoot – and therefore during client meetings. I know I can pull it off, no matter what is thrown at me during a shoot. I have the skills and the equipment.

These two images from a wedding in Melbourne, Australia, I was working in the 2500 – 3200 ISO range on my Nikon D4 bodies. Pretty much clean high-ISO images – which is necessary when shooting the romantic portraits.

I could’ve used fast primes instead of going higher on the ISO … but still emphasizes my point that you need proper photo gear when shooting in challenging situations. The lighting here was with a handheld video light that one of the groomsmen held for me, just outside the frame.

Using fast optics and responsive cameras that have a very usable high iso, I’ve able to change the way I use light, compared to earlier years. And in these choices, I’ve been able to bring out images that looks different than it would’ve with other equipment. I like these results much more than what I would’ve been able to get with equipment of lesser spec.

Sometimes the change in specifications and abilities of new photo gear appear incremental, but add all those small increments up … and you will find that current photo gear now allow you to achieve results you weren’t able to before.

The question remains however – does it bring more business? I don’t know if there is a direct correlation. In a sense the question becomes a trivial one for me … because right now, I am doing work I absolutely love, at a level I would never have dreamed of years ago when I started with a Nikon D100. And if using the very best equipment adds to that enjoyment – well, I only have this one life to live.

This leads me to another point. Right now, with an arsenal of fast prime lenses and workhorse f/2.8 zooms, the only limitations in my photography are my own. I certainly can not blame my equipment and say that, “If only I had *that* lens, I could’ve pulled the shots out of the hat.”

Right now, my limitations are my own. And that is a challenging boundary to be at.

i, too, see these debates. i agree with you.
i ALSO believe that the most useful thing a photographer can do is practice. the best equipment in the world will not take a beautifully exposed image if you don’t know how to use it.
:)

I often find the limits of my equipment an inspiration. Before I could afford a flash I illuminate still-lifes and scenes with cheap 500W halogen lamps like they are used on construction sites. Until today I still like the warm but hard light from these lamps.

First of all I have to thank Neil for share with us his experience
I believe in having the best equipment for the job will
allow me the best result.
Unfortunately I do have my limitations
and I have to work with them and do the best with what I have at the moment.
I found that having faith, positive attitude and not
complaining because I can’t afford this lense or this flash etc.
make me not only a better photographer but a better person.
I always try to concentrate and be thank full for what I have.
Pulling out jobs and doing my best is how I can save money and how day by day I can afford better and more expensive equipments.